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Oct 27 2009   2:43AM GMT

The 64 bit computer revolution is coming



Posted by: Jay Dugan
64 bit computing, Intel, AMD, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Windows 7

The processor technology for 64-bit computing has been available from Intel and AMD for several years but consumer acceptance has been slow due to hardware issues and a lack of 64-bit application software. Microsoft has had a 64 bit desktop OS starting with XP Pro but it saw little success.  That is rapidly changing as software developers and manufacturers are coming out with a flood of 64-bit applications. The new Windows 7 operating system comes in a 64-bit version that is becoming the choice among the early adopters of the OS over the 32-bit version. 

 

Microsoft 64 bit technology offers 32 bit compatibility but DOS and 16 bit support are no longer available. Several Microsoft application servers have 64 bit versions with 64 bit Office applications expected by 2010. Manufactures such as Adobe and Apple are offering or have in the works 64-bit versions of their popular software.

 

One of the main advantages of the 64-bit operating system is memory addressing. A 32-bit OS is limited to 4GB of RAM. However, the amount of memory a 64-bit OS can access is exponentially greater, potentially up to several million gigabytes of RAM.

 

As more 64 bit applications are written and as the cost of memory comes down, the 64-bit revolution will be just around the corner.

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Jul 9 2009   3:01AM GMT

Testing Windows 7 RC for business



Posted by: Jay Dugan
Windows 7, Intel Virtualization Technology, Processor Spec Finder, AMD

I was finally able to finish my new Windows 7 test computer, in spite of the mountain of projects that I am currently facing. I didn’t set out to build a hot rod gamer but rather something that would be a good business PC platform for Windows 7 with some flexibility for testing various software applications and hardware components.

 

After reviewing the Windows 7 system requirements from Microsoft for a second time I went back to a previous post of mine in Business Intelligence back on June 5, 2009: Windows 7 Release Candidate ready for testing – part 2 to put together a shopping list.

 

I wanted a processor that supported the 64 bit OS and Intel Virtualization Technology for compatibility with legacy apps. The Intel Processor Spec Finder was a big help in making my choice. A matching mother board that would support lots of DDR3 dual channel memory was also on my list. AMD has some very good processors that should run Windows 7 without a problem. However, I lean toward Intel from habit more than anything.

 

Poking around the local CompUSA store, I came up with an Intel CoreTM 2 Duo E8200 2.66 GHz processor and an Intel DP45SG mother board. I wanted the flexibility to experiment with different video cards and of course the DDR3 dual channel memory support. I could have gotten a less expensive board but I prefer to run Intel on Intel. I found a cheap case and added a 400 Watt power supply just to be on the safe side. In my next post, I will discuss the Windows 7 RC installation and what I found running both new and old software apps.     

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